Group to go forth with charity rail bridge abseil

A BAND of local daredevils, who have previously dropped from a plane at 10,000-feet and flew along a zip wire, have outlined their latest charity challenge.

Angie Middleton, bar manager at the New Delhi Bar and Restaurant, and friends Nikki Wilson, Graeme Halkerston, David Frew and Mhairi Davidson are taking to the skies once again as they plot an abseil off the Forth Rail Bridge in aid of Alzheimer Scotland.

In years gone by, fund-raising fanatic Angie has dropped from a zip wire off Peniel Heugh to collect cash for the Anthony Nolan Trust. And last year she raised over £3,000 for the Trust from a parachute jump.

The 30-year-old told the Hawick News this week: “I try to think of something to do for charity every year. This year I racked my brains for the ultimate thrill.

“I looked at wing walking, but there was nothing in Scotland and then swimming with sharks but I was a bit worried they might be hungry!

“Then I saw the abseil from such an iconic landmark and I thought it would be brilliant.”

While Angie used to teach abseiling to kids in France when she lived there for six years, she admitted it was nothing like the 330-foot Forth Rail Bridge.

And she confessed: “I’m still absolutely petrified of heights even though I’ve done the parachute jump and zip wire before.”

The drop will take place on the Sunday of the Common-Riding weekend and Angie is confident it will be the perfect hangover cure to dust off the cobwebs from all the celebrations.

She added: “It took a bit of persuading to get everyone signed up, but we’re all raring to go now and what a great way it’ll be to finish off the Common-Riding weekend.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring the group can visit www.justgiving.com/Angie-Middleton0 or texting VNDP64 and your amount, eg: £5, to 70070.

“It would be brilliant to raise a fantastic amount for such a great cause,” said Angie.